Hoff-Barthelson Music School HB Artist Series presents violinist and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart: On the Wings of Strings

Hoff-Barthelson Music School HB Artist Series presents violinist and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart: On the Wings of Strings

Kurtis-Stewart and the PUBLIQuartet perform an eclectic program of original works

Violinist and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart is the featured artist at Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s HB Artist Recital Series on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at 5:00 pm at the Greenville Community Church, 270 Ardsley Road, Scarsdale. Ms. Kurtis-Stewart will be joined by members of the ensemble, PUBLIQuartet, in a program of original compositions, interpretations and improvisations of romantic virtuosity, world music flair, and cutting edge modern sound. The members of PUBLIQuartet are Curtis Stewart, violin; Jannina Norpoth, violin; Nick Revel, viola; and Amanda Gookin, cello. Program subject to change.

When speaking of the PUBLIQuartet, Ms. Kurtis-Stewart says, “Expect to be transformed by a new generation of string players with a refreshing perspective on contemporary classical music. I am excited to perform with them and proud to have them play my music.”

Admission to the recital is $18, $15 for seniors (65+) and free of charge to HBMS students and students 18 years of age and younger. Tickets are available for purchase at the door, or can be ordered by calling 914-723-1169, or by e-mailing hb@hbms.org. Tickets to a series of three or ten recitals are available at a reduced rate.

For Additional Information:
For additional information: 914-723-1169, hb@hbms.org, www.hbms.org.

About Elektra Kurtis-Stewart:
Violinist, educator and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart’s life’s mission is to bring the diverse cultures and styles of her experience together, creating a new current in New York contemporary jazz. Kurtis-Stewart grew up in Warsaw, Poland as part of a family of Greek refugees from Egypt. During her youth, Elektra listened mostly to avant-garde contemporary music created in the sixties and seventies, jazz recordings from the United States, Bartók and the folk music of Greece, Africa and Tibet. It was also during this time that she began to learn about her Greek heritage. Later, as a student of classical violin at the Sibelius Academy of Music in Helsinki, Finland, Elektra studied harmony, analysis and classical music forms along with classical violin repertoire. Eventually, she made New York City her home where she has performed with and observed the work of many jazz luminaries and contemporary jazz composers including Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, Bob Stewart, Lester Bowie, Leroy Jenkins and Billy Bang. Elektra also toured with the Cuban bassist Cachao López and studied Arabic classical music with Simon Shaheen while performing in his Near Eastern Ensemble. All these influences come together in Elektra’s compositions. Her music expresses her view of the world through the lens of her own special style and technique. Her most recent CD, Bridges from the East (MR 2015), was reviewed in All About Jazz, receiving 4.5 out of 5 possible stars. Her other CDs include The Book of Time (Milo Records, 2000); AFROdite’s Smile (MR, 2005) and Cutting Through (MR, 2010).

About the HB Artist Series:
Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s teaching faculty includes many preeminent performers who hold chairs in prominent New York orchestras, are members of world-class chamber ensembles, and are in international demand as solo artists. Our superb faculty has contributed to the Music School’s national recognition for unsurpassed leadership in music education and performance. Hoff-Barthelson is proud to present these distinguished performers on its annual HB Artists Series. Held in Scarsdale, these recitals guarantee riveting music making of the highest caliber, in an intimate setting, at prices far below those in New York’s major concert halls.

About Hoff-Barthelson Music School:
One of Westchester County’s most cherished and active cultural resources, Hoff-Barthelson Music School has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance and outreach for more than seventy years.

Pictured: Violinist and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart, photographed by George Madarasz.